CSEP exam preparation leverages your practical experience alongside your technical knowledge. And we are here to help you prepare with a number of resources. 

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EXAM BLUEPRINT

​Your CSEP exam prep journey begins here! The Exam Blueprint is a great way to assess your current events knowledge/skill level.  Many current CSEPs have recommended reviewing this list with a highlighter in hand.  Highlight those line items that you are comfortable with.  Whatever is left, take time to review by using the resources below. 

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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READING MATERIALS*

A curated recommended reading list, hand-picked from references from the CSEP Exam. Want additional help? Additional resources listed below. 

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• The Industry Glossary is a list of terms and definitions published by the Events Industry Council.​

• Special Event Production: The Process    Matthews, Doug    Routledge    2015 (2nd Edition)

• Special Event Production: The Resources    Matthews, Doug    Routledge    2015

• Miziker’s Complete Event Planner’s Handbook: Tips, Terminology, and Techniques for Success    Miziker, Ron    University of New Mexico Press    2015

• Special Events: The Brave New World for Bolder and Better Live Events    Goldblatt, Joe Jeff    Wiley & Sons    (8th Edition)

• The Convention Industry Council Manual: A Working Guide For Effective Meetings and Conventions Convention Industry Council    (9th Edition)

• The International Dictionary of Event Management Goldblatt, Joe Jeff and Nelson, K.S.Wiley & Sons 2001
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ADDITIONAL READING MATERIALS*​

• Professional Event Coordination    Silvers, Julia Rutherford    Wiley & Sons   2012

• The Facts of Live: how live events are conceived procured and produced to create the greatest value and impact    Glendinning, Will   Rethink Press    2018

• Intentional Event Design: Our Professional Opportunity    Endean, Tahira    Create Space Independent Publishing   2017

*Amazon is used for purely reference - you may purchase the resources from any book retailer

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​​ILEA EDUCATION EVENTS
ILEA is held to an education standard that is based off the ILEA Core Curriculum.  By attending these events, you are exposed to different education opportunities. Connect with ILEA at Industry Events.

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YOUR INDUSTRY COLLEAGUES

Because this is an experience based exam, the best way to prepare is to gain more industry experience.  If you are looking to expand your knowledge base, try talking to your fellow industry members about their jobs, work for free, shadow them on an event. Those thinking about taking the CSEP exam are welcome to reach out to their local ILEA Chapter to ask questions of any current CSEPs.

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Join the Interested Candidates Facebook group!

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PRACTICE EXAM

Prepare for the exam experience with one practice exam that allows you to simulate your upcoming CSEP testing experience and understand your domain-level strengths and areas of improvement. Practice exam is comprised of 50 questions and allows for three (3) attempts.

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*Please note that the CSEP does not offer an official prep course.